Factor Ostro VAM -Problems- ☹️

Factor Ostro VAM -Problems- ☹️ | RobbArmstrong

Рет қаралды 6,191

Күн бұрын

The Build Series continues! In today's Video I will specifically outline the issues I've endured so far while owning the VAM. I've got a *GANG of man-hours in the bike regarding “Bike-Fit”, setting it up , getting dialed in and making changes, 🤦🏽‍♂️ According to Strava, I currently have 200miles on the dot! but... Changes are coming!
This video is semi-lengthy and provides first hand ownership experience. Please feel free to skip around by utilizing the time codes below.
Okay, now the admin data is out the way, lets talk about it!! 🙂
#Factor #Ostrovam #CeramicSpeed #BlackInc
#robbArmstrong #Cycling #problem #RobbMedia
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Timecodes
0:00 - Intro
1:05 - Where are the Issues
1:29 - What is the “Bike Package”
1:55 - Black Inc Aerobar System
2:46 - SRAM Issues
3:14 - Possible Solutions
3:38 - Front Cockpit Integration
5:23 - Enve SES Aerobar *Flare
5:41 - Black Inc Aerobar System Dimensions Compatibility Issues
7:44 - SRAM Hoods Ergo-Compatibility Issues
9:02 - 25 Offset Saddle Position
10:12 - “ Wheelbase”
Long Wheelbase Vs. Short Wheelbase
Riding & Handling Characteristics
14:40 - VAM Advice
16:36 - Is Shimano the Answer?
All possible solutions
17:03 - Strava Notes 🐼
17:37 - VAM Stack Height “Get Low!!”
19:30 - Closing
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Watch Links
Factor Ostro VAM, Why I Bought It | • Factor Ostro VAM, Why ...
Factor Ostro VAM UnBoxing | • Factor Ostro VAM UnBox...
Factor Ostro VAM Dream Build | Parts List - BuildOut | • Factor Ostro VAM Dream...
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🌎 Web Links
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Trek Bikes - Madone/Emonda |
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More Links 🙂
Me: Robb Armstrong - IG
/ _robbarmstrong
Strava
/ strava
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Пікірлер: 89

@cyberx7098 4 ай бұрын

Another great video Robb. Keep up the excellent work! I think part of what you are experiencing with the Ostro VAM being “Twitchy” is an actual problem with the bike. I left a comment on “Cycling Factory Sweden AB” channel on his review of the 2024 VAM, and I asked him about 3 known problems with the VAM. He replied back in his comment to me that he has experienced this same type of “Twitchy” problem on the VAM model that you have, and on the new 2024 VAM that just recently released in February. He said the problem is so bad that he can’t even ride the bike without having his hands on the handlebars at all times. He said he can’t figure out how to fix this problem. It sounds like there is something definitely going on with the front end of the bike and Factor still has not fixed the problem on the new 2024 VAM.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

Really appreciate the feedback 🙏🏽 very interesting *notes you provided. The "twitchy" feeling is most certainly a thing. Is it super bad, mmmmmm I wouldn't say that but is different. On the bottom of the VAM it has a deep channel cut into the frame paired with the wide fork to direct air in a specific manner. Not sure if that has anything to do with it but something I will address in a later more indepth Video of the VAM. I need tk check out: Cycling Factory Sweden AB Channel. Thanks for sharing that! 🙂 #RobbArmstrong

@Nobleazure 4 ай бұрын

Your headline scared me! I am waiting on my Factor delivery. I chose the outgoing model in the chameleon colorway. After watching this video, it is actually a positive for me. I have been riding on Sram for years and ride an aggressive "crit race" set up all the time. I'm very excited to take delivery.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

Didn’t mean to scare you, just sharing my personal experience. Going with the *outgoing version, do you feel like you’re missing out from the 2024 revamp model? #RobbArmstrong

@Nobleazure 4 ай бұрын

@robbarmstrong8702 Not missing out at all! The new version's proportions look unbalanced, the tech difference is minimal. BUT, I do want the new wheels.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

🤣🤣, I hear you on that! & I feel the same. The Gloss carbon, oversized logo wheels look DOPE! That’s my style, hell I may just pick up a set in the future. We shall see, 😎 #RobbArmstrong

@hobmarg 4 ай бұрын

Just came across your channel as I am researching the new 2024 Ostro VAM. Some really cool and helpful stuff in here Robb especially about the seatpost setback 0mm vs 20mm and the aero bar and the more compact drops compared to the Enve... I'm a Shimano guy so I'd be going Ultegra Di2, although I hear they are finally updating Red in May with better hoods. AXS is cool, wish Di2 was wireless but I just know the Shimano feel too well... great paintjob on the frame too... I am liking the prisma paint option $500 for custom colours isn't bad when you are already spending big $$$.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

I’m glad my shared experience has been helpful to you. The majority of V•A•M owners I know are using the 0 offset seatpost. Aesthetically the Black Inc bars are 🔥 but just didn’t work for Me, ☹️ I currently have the Vision ACR bars on the V•A•M and it’s SSSOOO MUCH BETTER! SRAM is cool but as a *whole, Shimano just crushes it, IMO. The newer 12 speed stuff is semi-wireless and *VERY nice. I have 12spd Ultegra Di2 on it and it’s perfect now. If you go with the custom colorway, what would you get? 👀 Thanks for the feedback and Welcome to the Channel! 😎 #RobbArmstrong

@thegoodwheel 4 ай бұрын

Hope you get it sorted so that you can enjoy the build. It looks great though👍🏾

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

Slowly but surely. I’ll get it sorted out, thanks 🙏🏾 #RobbArmstrong

@michaelrush208 4 ай бұрын

The 2023 sram force hoods are much more comfortable. However when I switched from Shimano to sram in 2018, it took me probably about 400 miles to get comfortable. I also got a professional bike fit and he made a lot of adjustments. The fit changed everything for me and now I get along with sram perfectly. I’m sure that you’ll figure it all soon.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

400 Miles! 🥴 Currently I’m about 300 in on the VAM. I’m glad you got everything sorted out and rolling now, that’s awesome! 😎 There’s a guy in Va who does Bike Fitting and he seems very thorough! Was I get my fit *closer I plan to schedule something with him and get things *more dialed in. The VAM will eventually work out, just gonna take some time and I’m up for the journey! Appreciate your shared experience, 🙏🏾 #RobbArmstrong

@dropnationworld6508 3 ай бұрын

I finally decided to pull the trigger on a new bike, looking at the used market for the Factor Vam Ostro. I can either get a size 54 or 49 in my area. Both run 12 speed Sram Force AXS. I'm a size 52 being 5'6'' with 77cm inseam (22 years old). I've never ridden a race bike and currently have an alloy 2015 scott speedster running 8 speed Shimano Claris ($700cad used). The bike is size 56 and is very relaxed in terms of geometry, i've made it work but the seat post is as low as it can go. I like to ride hard and very aggressively. Should I size down to a 49 or run a 54? What would be the noticable difference between the two sizes? Lastly how will my rides differ between the two bikes, what will be the most noticeable change(s)?

@robbarmstrong8702 3 ай бұрын

*EVERYTHING is going to change! I’d recommend going to a Bike Fitter before you purchase a V•A•M. Bike geometry is a thing but there are also parts of the fit that are personal preference. You may not know what you like just yet. #RobbArmstrong

@JFomo 4 ай бұрын

Damn you were really hyped for that blackinc bar. As someone who always rides on the hoods including sprints, I love my Sram hoods. It's not for everyone. If the Factor ends up not working out for you, get a Tarmac 😝 Tarmac all day!!

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

*Super HYPE for those Bars! But… they’re for sale now and on to the next one. *TeamTarmac 🙌🏾 #RobbArmstrong

@aaronbrody8218 4 ай бұрын

I'm new to SRAM hoods too, from Shimano. I feel you. Hard to get your hands comfy on them . I don't think enough people talk about the ENVE SES AR Road bar. It's crazy comfy, and the angle of the drop keeps the wrists in a really nice position. Worth checking out.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

YES!! The Enve SES was an excellent pickup & I love the *flare. 39cm in the hoods and 44cm in the drops. An excellent combination IMO. You mentioned your recent changeover to SRAM as well: What Bike are you riding? 👀 I always have an interest in build-talk🤓 #RobbArmstrong

@aaronbrody8218 4 ай бұрын

@@robbarmstrong8702 I have the SES on a BMC Road Machine with Ultra Di2. The SRAM Force set up, with SES is on a recent gravel build. It's a brand called SOUR, and the model is the Purple Haze.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

I gotta look up that “Purple Haze” off the name alone! Seems like SRAM is the *King 👑 of gravel. I was debating on a BMC for a min! I had my eye on a Teammachine SLR01. Price was right but I didn’t know if anyone who owned or ridden one. I like the clean integrated bottle cages. A very unique feature. #RobbArmstrong

@user-ff1rj5ei4k 3 ай бұрын

Hi Robb If i my ask, what is your height and and by the looks of things it look like a 52 size frame, I am just curios as I am about to pull the triger on a frameset but is in-between sizes. Thanks for the video!!

@robbarmstrong8702 3 ай бұрын

Hello & Welcome to the Channel! I would say if you’re in between sizes, go for the smaller size. I’m 5’6, 66in or 167.6cm. My V•A•M is a size 52cm and *currently I’m riding a 0mm offset seatpost and a 110mm stem. #RobbArmstrong

@golfnerd3107 4 ай бұрын

Have you checked out the new force hoods? I find them very comfortable. To be honest I spend more time further out at the end of the hoods with my pinkies hooked under in a more aero position. but they feel very similar to Ultegra R8000 rim brake hoods when I actually grab them as intended.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

What are you riding your SRAM on? 🤔 That’s one of my favorite riding positions. Edge of the hoods, pinky hooked, 😆 SRAM was an experiment but I’m back on Shimano. Even if the ergonomics were better I still miss my extra buttons and the *clean shifting. I have an Ultegra 12speed Di2 otw, 🙂 *More2follow, 👈🏽 #RobbArmstrong

@golfnerd3107 4 ай бұрын

⁠@@robbarmstrong8702 Tarmac SL7. I don’t have anything against Shimano. I just prefer SRAM because of how stupid quick and easy it is to throw it on a new frame when the time comes. If Shimano ever went full wireless it would be more of a dogfight for me.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

I can 💯% agree with you on that! I build all my Bikes and SRAM was ridiculously easy to setup! I thought the bleeding would be cumbersome but nah… Straight forward, quick and to the point. Another +Plus for SRAM for Me was the stopping power. The brakes were like, 😳 I don’t know if it were the modulation or the fact that SRAM uses DOT fluid but the stopping power was NOTICEABLE stronger than Shimano. #RobbArmstrong

@PatrickLino 4 ай бұрын

Looking forward to you figuring it out bruh. Have a great weekend!

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

Thanks Big Bro! Definitely gonna get it right. Got some miles to get this Summer, 😎 #RobbArmstrong

@hmmboost 4 ай бұрын

I just rode a '23 Ostro Vam w/SRAM Force. Coming from my '14 Emonda with Ultegra, I immediately felt out of place on that bar/hood combo. I had the shop tilt the hoods as far as possible and it still felt like the pressure was too much between my thumb/index finger. My Shimano hoods spread that weight evenly across the hand. I'm kinda bummed because I really like the bike, really like AXS, and have a general dislike for Di2. I do wish the shop had spec'd a 0mm seatpost as well, as I basically had the saddle all the way forward to match my fit with the 38/100mm bar combo, so I think it's the same issue you had. I'm going to ride some more bikes and see what I can figure out. Glad I wasn't the only one!

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

I *currently have the V•A•M dailed in and it’s a GREAT bike! But I did make a *few changes. Shimano’s 12speed groupset is EXTREMELY nice! I’m really impressed with it. So much that my *spare 11speed Di2 is for sale, 🤣 once sold I’ll pick up another Ultegra 12speed. Also, I sold my BlackInc Aerobar and now have a set of Vision ACR bars on the V•A•M, it has changed the handling back to something I’m used to, 🙂 What other bikes do you plan to ride? #RobbArmstrong

@hmmboost 4 ай бұрын

@@robbarmstrong8702 Thanks for the reply. Good that you got it dialed in. I don't think I have the patience (or $) to do all the swapping you've done after buying a new bike. There are no Shimano VAM's within 300 miles of me, which is unfortunate. Tomorrow I'm going to ride: Tarmac (SRAM and Di2), Propel, Madone (Di2), Teammachine (SRAM). Likely a full day of test riding, but I'll have my answer haha.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

That’s dope you have access to all those Bikes! The *Madone is still on my list. My Bianchi is has been on the market for a min now, 🤦🏽‍♂️ once it goes though… I’ll be back on the hunt for something else. #RobbArmstrong

@hmmboost 4 ай бұрын

@@robbarmstrong8702 Ride feedback worst to best: Propel Adv 1 SRAM: Very stiff, pretty meh overall elsewise. Giant does what Giant does. Its priced right, but didn't feel good. Tarmac SL7 SRAM: Stiff and responsive, lacked character. Felt more of a drop on this bike than the others. Didn't feel 'special' at all. BMC Teammachine SLR 01 Three Ultegra Di2: Felt pretty close to the Ostro VAM. My hands immediately felt comfortable with the hoods and I could tuck down in them comfortably. 25c tires were stiff, everything else seemed good for the value ($7k) Ostro VAM in Di2 would probably do it for me tbh, but I don't think there's any left anywhere.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

😯, wow!! This is some good insight right here. Crazy thing is I had my eye on a BMC Frameset. I had found one for a GREAT deal but there were pieces of the Factor that I wanted to try. Even though all those “wanting to try” pieces I swapped out anyway, 🤣 but I guess the BMC is back on the list. I’m heard a lot of *mixed reviews about the Tarmac, 🤦🏽‍♂️ to scratch my itch though, I bought an Allez sprint a few weeks ago. I still have to introduce it to the channel, soon 👈🏽 but I’ve heard nothing but good things about the Allez and I have a few buddies who have them. 🙂 #RobbArmstrong

@chrisball3412 4 ай бұрын

I know what you’re saying about the twitchyness of the shorter wheelbase Domane 101 to madone 98. I had a professional Bike Fit today and raised and moved forward the saddle a little bit. took one space out of the headset to lower the handlebars and that lowered my center of gravity better over the center of the frame. Shorten the pull on the brake levers so I can get my finger over them in the drops. Need to test ride to see how it feels. You had me at the beginning of the video was like somebody died 😂

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

I’ll be interested in hearing your feedback after the next ride. Those small adjustments make a big difference! *Random- What saddle are you running? 🤔 I had to throw a lil something different in the beginning. Get the audience engaged, 🎥🍿🎬 #RobbArmstrong

@cyberx7098 4 ай бұрын

@@robbarmstrong8702 Your video production quality is on point and your video editing is top notch. This is seriously some of the best that I have seen on KZbin cycling channels and I like that you actually talk about and show real-life experiences and give true feedback about cycling products. Come on people, hit the subscribe button on Robb's channel. I see you hitting 5k-10k subscribers real soon!

@chrisball3412 4 ай бұрын

upgraded to the rsl saddle, very comfortable. oh, you mentioned how your hands had to go forward more for the hoods yeah you don’t wanna do that put way too much pressure on your wrists and neck from what my guy said. once you get everything set up, are you gonna get a pro Bike Fit?

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

The RSL saddle looks good! I need to check one of those out. There’s a guy out in Va who does Bike fits and seems like he knows what he’s talking about. I may ride out there and check him out. I need a bike fitter who will spend time on my feet & cleats. That’s a target area for Me. #RobbArmstrong

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

At the very least I want to provide a real world experience from my perspective. My whole intention is to share genuine information and grow the community for everyone. One lil Video at a time, 🤣 Thanks for the kind works! 🙏🏾 & the grind for 5K subscribers is underway! 😎💪🏾 #RobbArmstrong

@gmen1305 4 ай бұрын

Not trying to be super critical here, but you made a whole wholesale of changes from your current Trek - to the Factor - frame geometry, cockpit, groupo - would not an experienced cyclist looking to make these drastic changes not have done their research and compared all these items to see if they were positive or negative, or test road the bike before making such an investment?

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

First off, I appreciate your thorough response. Genuine open dialogue is one thing I love about KZbin, 🙂 The whole point was to try something *completely different. Last year I bought a custom Chinese frame. Put quality parts on it, rode it about 80 miles and sold it! 😂 it jus wasn’t it but in doing my own experiment now I know for sure it didn’t work for me. If I would have purchased the new Madone, I believe things would have been more seamless and if it worked then what would I do with my current Trek that I absolutely love, 🤷🏽‍♂️ across my spectrum of bikes each one is different and I appreciate the characteristics about each one. There’s nothing like first hand experience. At times you have to try something in order to *know. Another example, I’ve ridden a bunch of bars: Vision Metron 4D, 5D, Aero, ACR, KNOT System, Enve, Specialized, Easton, Roval, Elves 1-piece bar, and a few Chinese knockoffs. Me saying the Black Inc bar isn’t it, ☹️ or stating the ergonomics of SRAM Force isn’t it… I’m not saying “what I heard” I’m saying what I know, 🤣 but also being mindful that these are *my shared experiences. Everyone is different and sometimes you have to see for yourself. The Panda V•A•M will work, I just have to sort out a few things. If it doesn’t “Yikes”, then I’ll sell the frame and keep it moving. I don’t feel any sort of way about it, just sharing my experiences with the world. 🙂 thanks again for your comment! 🙏🏾 #RobbArmstrong

@Zwooder_editz111 4 ай бұрын

Have you looked at the SRAM force shifters? Ergonomics are more similar to Shimano.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

I’m on SRAM Force… I’m personally done with SRAM, ☹️ Shimano has everything I want in a GroupSet. In my mind I should have went Ultegra 12speed in the beginning but… I wanted to try something new. Now I “know” 💡 #RobbArmstrong

@baham83 4 ай бұрын

You are on the old Force Shifters, the newer Force has better ergonomics similar to shimano@@robbarmstrong8702

@simonassouline1230 3 ай бұрын

Living in the twilight zone, not realizing the small issues! Only demises your situation, changes and optimism will clarify your whole outcome! Factor/shimano are the only way to go!

@robbarmstrong8702 3 ай бұрын

*TeamShimano, 🙌🏾 #RobbArmstrong

@patrickparisienne1917 4 ай бұрын

Sad to hear the issues you are having. The SRAM Red shifters have often been criticized, where as the Rival and Force shape are nicer in the hands. The short wheelbase (short front centre) and steep head angle and front end geometry is why it is a ‘RACE’ bike. Your Emonda is too, but as you say more stable and a better Fondo bike.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

The Emonda has a longer wheelbase than the V•A•M. One aspect I haven’t looked into yet is the bottom bracket drop. Taking that into account it’ll provide the feeling of you sitting “on the bike” versus “in the bike”, if that makes sense. Overall it’s been interesting figuring everything out. #RobbArmstrong

@cfau6290 2 ай бұрын

I wanted to get one so badly..love the design of the vam but man from what im seeing its straight 1 pound heavier to an sl8 comparing same builds...seems to be a lot heavier than advertised :(

@robbarmstrong8702 2 ай бұрын

I agree a whole pound is huge!! Soo, what did you end up Purchasing? An all black SL8 would be dope, 🙂 #RobbArmstrong

@Pmor75 4 ай бұрын

Compact bars are the best option! ENVE Bars are the best. New Sram Red will have a new design of the shifters hoods, just way until the summertime and you'll be able to buy them instead of changing to Shimano.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

Lots of folks are waiting on this *new SRAM and the redesign looks promising but… We are going back to Shimano. My 12 speed Ultegra should hopefully be here this week, 🙂 are you *currently riding SRAM? #RobbArmstrong

@Pmor75 4 ай бұрын

@@robbarmstrong8702 I do ride SRAM but mechanical on my Litespeed rim brake bike.

@FastRider69 4 ай бұрын

i thought cervelo s5 got the shortest wheelbase

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

#RobbArmstrong

@rafluyten1885 4 ай бұрын

Just go Shimano and your issues are resolved. Remember that the reach for the new Shimano is +0,5cm bigger than the old one. But still less than the sram I think.

@robbarmstrong8702 4 ай бұрын

Shimano is a piece and so was the bars, ☹️ SRAM will be up for sale this week. New Groupset should be here next week, 🙂 #RobbArmstrong

@JFomo 5 ай бұрын

March 3rd is too far away. Why can't you just upload the videos now?

@robbarmstrong8702 5 ай бұрын

I film 🎥 a lot & I can’t release everything in one day, 😔 Technically it *is UpLoaded, 🤷🏽‍♂️ just won’t release until the 3rd of March, ☹️ but we have a date, *StayTuned #RobbArmstrong

@JFomo 5 ай бұрын

@@robbarmstrong8702 looks like it's going to be a good video too

@chrisball3412 5 ай бұрын

I don’t know much about KZbin but I know they have rules. like the video has to be eight minutes long or something that’s why sometimes when you watch these videos from people they like to backtrack a lot to fill up their videos before they get to the main point. not like Robb he gets right to the point. It’s just you throw out these teasers and it’s hard for your audience to wait.😂

@robbarmstrong8702 5 ай бұрын

YES!! I address a *few keys things in the Video, which I believe other folks have experienced but no one is talking about, 👀 I find that odd. Hopefully other V•A•M owners will watch the Video and provide their input. #RobbArmstrong

@robbarmstrong8702 5 ай бұрын

🤣, The “Teaser’s” I *hope peak interest. The “8 Min” rule. Yup, that’s a YT thing. If you are a monetized channel, in order to receive Ad revenue your Video has to be at least 8mins… I personally dont follow that rule. Well, not necessarily. I film, say what I got to say and keep it moving. If it’s longer than 8mins, cool. If not, they’ll be another Video. It’s funny you mention the *filler’s too! 🤣, I think some creators *fill intentionally but I believe there are more who just haven’t figured out their *flow yet. If you look back at my earlier Video’s I had a “RobbArmstrong” intro on everything. I was proud of my lil intro too, but folks were just skipping it, 🥹 Now I’m like: “What’s up, welcome back, let’s get to it!” 😂 not that one particular way is better than the other, I just found my *flow, 😎 #RobbArmstrong

@40datboysha 2 ай бұрын

You may need to go with a customized builder.

@robbarmstrong8702 2 ай бұрын

That would be dope but wait times are ridiculous, 😣 *SideNote: The V•A•M has been sorted out. Bunch of changes, creeping up on 1K Miles, 🙂 *StayTuned #RobbArmstrong